The National Kidney Foundation hosted its annual Kidney Ball on Nov. 19 at the Washington Hilton and raised $600,000 to fight kidney disease. The Masquerade Kidney Ball celebrated the community for its support and put the spotlight on the national health crisis, which impacts 73 million Americans and costs $87 billion in government health care spending.
The evening raised much needed funds for research, education, testing, patient services and organ donation.
“In the Washington area alone, a half million people are suffering from kidney disease, 7,000 are on dialysis and more than 1,800 need a kidney transplant,” SAP National Security Services President and CEO and Kidney Ball Chairman Mark Testoni said. “We were thrilled to be joined by so many top business and community leaders, medical professionals and patient families who are helping fight kidney disease.”
NKF highlighted the importance of awareness and education with this year’s Mission Appeal story and video told by Kevin and Pam Kearney, whose son, Kevin Jr., was diagnosed at age 3 with a rare kidney disease, Nephrocalcinosis. The NKF Mission Appeal, raised nearly $30,000 in just 10 minutes, gave guests the opportunity to make “real-time” donations from the floor.
Special recognition was also given to the 2016 honorees for their long-standing support, advocacy and dedication to the National Kidney Foundation. Recipients included:
- Outstanding Achievement Award — Greg Baroni, Attain LLC chairman and CEO
- Community Service Award — iHeartMedia, Inc.
- Corporate Citizenship Award — Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Live entertainment was provided by ’70s rock sensation Three Dog Night, and silent and live auctions featured one-of-a-kind experiences, exotic travel, local attractions and sporting events.
Related: This Year’s Must-Attend Attend: 36th Annual Masquerade Kidney Ball, Says SAP NS2 CEO Mark Testoni
